The conclusion of the 2020 season brought about mixed emotions for Wright City Football Coach Jeff Sargent. On one regard, he is grateful to have completed the schedule, minus one cancelled game. On the other, he reflects back upon many challenging predicaments that were often difficult to prepare for during a 5-5 season that ended in a 59-0 defeat at Lutheran North last Friday. 

“I feel like there were a lot of situations where it was a lose-lose scenario with the protocol we had to follow,” said Sargent. “It wasn’t an easy season. I don’t feel like I was the only coach that felt I was handicapped by circumstances. Our staff and kids were put in a situation where doing anything successful was going to be very challenging.”

On several occasions the Wildcats went into battle with limited personnel, forced to quickly put inexperienced players onto the field. Last Friday Wright City had its veterans available for the Class 3 District 3 second-round game but were outmatched by a platoon of Division One prospects in a 59-0 setback at Lutheran North.

The Wildcats managed just 68 total yards, compared to its hosts’ 437 yards. The typically-productive Wright City running game was held to just 10 net yards on 29 carries.

“I’ve been able to see some really good high school players live, but it seemed like they had two guys who are that category with the best,” said Sargent. “The crazy thing is they’re both on the same defense in the same high school. That made for a real challenge.”

The Wildcats tried to lean on sophomore running back Jeremiah Davis, but Lutheran North quickly put a stop to his productivity, holding him to just 10 yards on eight carries.

“In the beginning we tried to get the ball to Jeremiah, and it was semi-successful, but they started keying on him,” said Sargent.

Lutheran North unleashed three touchdown runs of 98, 2 and 19 yards in the first quarter to move ahead 21-0. The Crusaders added four more scores, including a passing touchdown and a safety, in the second period. By halftime, the Wildcats faced a 44-0 deficit.

“There were some things we thought we could do, but anytime we would start driving it just wasn’t working for us,” said Sargent. “We had about three opportunities for us to at least put ourselves in situations to score.”

Junior quarterback Hayden Beck was left scrambling to get rid of the ball in a hurry most of the night, completing 7 of 19 passes for 58 yards, while throwing an interception. All seven of his completions went to junior Jake Smith.

“Later in the game we were able to get the ball to Jake, who had a really phenomenal game,” said Sargent. “He and Hayden did a really good job given the hand they were dealt.”

Smith finished with 58 receiving yards.

Lutheran North scored the remainder of its points in the third quarter, pulling back its attack in the final period.

Defensively, the Wildcats were led by junior Ian Wolff and Davis with four tackles apiece, combining for three tackles for loss.

Lutheran North finished 105 passing yards on 3 of 6 attempts completed.

“They really couldn’t throw the ball on us very well,” said Sargent. “They ran and their offensive line was bigger than us, and it showed.”